Container having handles shaped as awareness ribbons

ABSTRACT

A personal container is provided having handles in the shape of awareness ribbons, in which two end portions that intersect one another with the ends extending below the intersection point and a closed loop section that extend above the intersection point. The handles are attached to first and second sides of a compartment body. The handles each define an opening sized to receive a hand of a user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to containers such as purses and, more particularly, personal containers having handles shaped as awareness ribbons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Color ribbons crossed into a loop have long been used to promote awareness for various causes. Such ribbons are often referred to as awareness ribbons. For example, pink ribbons are used to promote awareness for breast cancer. In efforts to advance a particular cause, individuals who support the cause will often wear or otherwise display an awareness ribbon associated with the cause.

Early on, awareness ribbons were formed by a small piece of ribbon pinned into a loop and worn on clothing. More recently, images of awareness ribbons have been found in a variety of goods. Such goods have been well received by consumers and cause advocates. There is a continued interest for goods that display awareness ribbons. However, challenges arise in displaying awareness ribbons in a prominent, unique and functional manner.

Accordingly, there remains a need to display awareness ribbons in a prominent and functional manner. The present invention fulfills this need and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, the invention provides a personal container having handles in the shape of awareness ribbons, in which two end portions that intersect one another with the ends extending below the intersection point and a closed loop section that extend above the intersection point. The handles are attached to first and second sides of a compartment body. The handles each define an opening sized to receive a hand of a user.

More particularly, and in an exemplary embodiment, the container includes a compartment body having a first side and a second side. A first handle in the shape of an awareness ribbon attached to an outer surface of the first side of the compartment. A second handle in the shape of an awareness ribbon attached to an outer surface the second side of the compartment. The handles have an upper portion disposed above the compartment body and a lower portion having two end portions that overlap one another. The first and the second handle are aligned such that the user can grasp both handles with one hand.

In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the first height of the first handle is greater than the second height of the second handle such that the upper portions of the first and second handles can overlap one another, when in use. The upper portions of the first and the second handle can each has a substantially constant width.

In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the first and the second handles are removably attached to the first and second sides of the compartment body, in which the handles are of a first color configuration. The container can further include a second pair of handles of a second color configuration that can be attached to the compartment body in place of the first pair of handles, thereby allowing users to select a particular color of handles for use on the container.

In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the handles are attached to the corresponding side of the container body with an attachment selected from a group consisting of hook-and-loop material, stitching, adhesive, and snaps.

In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the handles each include a reinforcing member that extends substantially throughout the upper portion and can further extend substantially into the lower portion. The handles can also be formed of a unitary construction.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. Moreover, a number of features are discussed throughout the specification with reference to particular embodiments. Nonetheless, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention, to include any and all combination of features discussed.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a personal container in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1, depicting a cut-out portion of the first handle showing a reinforcement member disposed therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1, there is shown a personal container 10 having a compartment body 12 and a pair of handles, a first handle 14 and a second handle 16, in the shape of awareness ribbons. An awareness ribbon shape is defined as having two end portions that intersect one another with the ends extending below the intersection point and a closed loop section that extend above the intersection point. The handles each have an upper portion 18, 20 that extends above the compartment body and a lower portion 22, 23 having two end portions that intersect one another. The height of the first handle is greater than the height of the second handle such that the upper portions of the first and second handles can overlap one another, when in use, such that the user can grasp both handles with one hand.

The handles 14, 16 are formed of unitary construction in which the end portions 24, 26 of the overlap each other to form the intersection portion of the ribbon configuration. Each handle is attached to an outer surface of the respective side 28, 30 of the compartment body. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower portion is sewn to the side of the compartment body. However, in other embodiments, various other attachment techniques can be used, hook-and-loop material, stitching, adhesive, and snaps, to name a few. Other attachment techniques known it the art can also be used.

Notably, certain attachment techniques contemplated enable removable attachment of the handles. Accordingly, multiple pairs of handles of different color configurations can be provided to users, enabling interchangeable use. Awareness ribbons are associated to particular causes by color. On one day, a user can select handles a first color configuration such as pink to promote awareness for breast cancer. On another day, the user can select handles of a second color such as yellow to promote awareness and support for the military. In addition, a user could use a first handle of a first color, such as pink, and second handle of a second color, such as yellow, to promote awareness for two different causes simultaneously.

The upper portions 18, 20 of the handles each twist so that planar sections 32, 34 thereof are at an uppermost location of the handle and are oriented generally transverse to the lower portion of the handle. This configuration enables generally constant width for the handle throughout its length while also facilitating a comfortable grip for a user. The grip feel is further enhanced in that the planar sections of the handle can overlap each other.

The compartment body 12 defines an opening 36 disposed between the handles 12, 14. A strap 38 extends across the opening and is secured via a magnetic clasp 40. In the exemplary embodiment, the compartment body 12 is formed as a medium-sized purse; however, the invention is contemplated to include purses of all shapes and sizes. Moreover, in yet other embodiments, the compartment body can also be configured other uses, such a briefcase, a shopping bags, book bags, and so on. In addition, the loops of the handles can be sized to fit over the shoulder of a user.

With reference now to FIG. 3, the handles include a reinforcement member 42 configured to maintain the upper portion in an upstanding orientation. The reinforcement member is sandwiched between colored fabric 44 that defines the outer surface of the handles. The reinforcement member is formed of material having sufficient rigidity to maintain the handles in a generally upright configuration. Examples of such materials include cardboard, plastic, metal, and rigid fabric, to name a few. In other embodiments, the handles can be formed solely by the reinforcement member or a reinforcement member can be excluded entirely.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides a personal container having handles in the shape of awareness ribbons, in which two end portions that intersect one another with the ends extending below the intersection point and a closed loop section that extend above the intersection point. The handles are attached to first and second sides of a compartment body. The handles each define an opening sized to receive a hand of a user.

Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention, to include any and all combination of features discussed. Accordingly, the invention is defined only by the claims set forth below. 

1. A personal container, comprising: a compartment body having a first side and a second side; a first handle in the shape of an awareness ribbon attached to the first side of the compartment, the first handle having an upper portion disposed above the compartment body and a lower portion coupled the first side of the compartment body, the upper portion having a planar section of a prescribed width that is oriented generally transverse to the lower portion of the first handle, the planar section disposed a first height above the compartment body, the lower portion having two end portions that intersect one another; and a second handle in the shape of an awareness ribbon attached to the second side of the compartment, the second handle having an upper portion disposed above the compartment body and a lower portion coupled the second side of the compartment body, the upper portion having a planar section of a prescribed width that is oriented generally transverse to the lower portion of the second handle, the planar section disposed a second height above the compartment body, the lower portion having two end portions that intersect one another.
 2. A personal container as defined in claim 1, wherein the first height of the first handle is greater than the second height of the second handle such that the upper portions of the first and second handles can overlap one another, when in use.
 3. A personal container as defined in claim 1, wherein the first and the second handles each define an opening sized to receive a hand of a user.
 4. A personal container as defined in claim 1, wherein the upper portions of the first and the second handle each has a substantially constant width.
 5. A personal container as defined in claim 1, wherein the first and the second handles are a first color, and the first and the second sides of the compartment are a second color.
 6. A personal container as defined in claim 1, wherein the first and the second handles each include a reinforcing member that extends substantially throughout the upper portion.
 7. A personal container as defined in claim 1, wherein the first and the second handles each include a reinforcing member that extends substantially throughout the upper portion and the lower portion.
 8. A personal container as defined in claim 1, wherein the first and the second handles are removably attached to the first and second sides of the compartment body.
 9. A personal container as defined in claim 8, wherein the first and the second handles are a first color configuration, thereby defining a first pair of handles, and further comprising a second pair of handles of a second color configuration that can be attached to the compartment body in place of the first pair of handles.
 10. A personal container, comprising: a compartment body having a first side and a second side; a first handle in the shape of an awareness ribbon attached to an outer surface of the first side of the compartment, the first handle having an upper portion disposed above the compartment body and a lower portion coupled the first side of the compartment body, the lower portion having two end portions that overlap one another, the first handle defining a opening between the handle and the compartment body sized to receive a hand of a user; and a second handle in the shape of an awareness ribbon attached to an outer surface the second side of the compartment, the second handle an upper portion disposed above the compartment body and a lower portion coupled the second side of the compartment body, the lower portion having two end portions that overlap one another, the second handle defining a opening between the handle and the compartment body sized to receive a hand of a user; wherein the first and the second handle are aligned such that the user can grasp both handles with one hand.
 11. A personal container as defined in claim 10, wherein the first and the second handles each include a reinforcing member that extends substantially throughout the handle, such that the handles project above a top end of the compartment body.
 12. A personal container as defined in claim 10, wherein the first height of the first handle is greater than the second height of the second handle such that the upper portions of the first and second handles can overlap one another, when in use.
 13. A personal container as defined in claim 10, wherein the first and the second handles are attached to the corresponding side of the container body with an attachment selected from a group consisting of hook-and-loop material, stitching, adhesive, and snaps.
 14. A personal container as defined in claim 10, wherein the first and the second handles are removably attached to the first and second sides of the compartment body.
 15. A personal container as defined in claim 14, wherein the first and the second handles are a first color configuration, thereby defining a first pair of handles, and further comprising a second pair of handles of a second color configuration that can be attached to the compartment body in place of the first pair of handles.
 16. A personal container, comprising: a compartment body having a first side and a second side; a first handle formed of unitary construction in the shape of an awareness ribbon attached to an outer surface of the first side of the compartment, the first handle defining a opening between the handle and the compartment body sized to receive a hand of a user, the first handle having a lower portion coupled the first side of the compartment body, the lower portion having two end portions that overlap one another, and an upper portion disposed above the compartment body, the upper portion having a planar section that is oriented generally transverse to the lower portion of the first handle, the planar section being disposed a first height above the upper end of the compartment body, the upper portion having a reinforcement member configured to maintain the upper portion in an upstanding orientation; and a second handle formed of unitary construction in the shape of an awareness ribbon attached to an outer surface of the second side of the compartment, the second handle defining an opening between the handle and the compartment body sized to receive a hand of a user, the second handle having a lower portion coupled the second side of the compartment body, the lower portion having two end portions that overlap one another, and an upper portion disposed above the compartment body, the upper portion having a planar section that is oriented generally transverse to the lower portion of the second handle, the planar section being disposed a second height above the upper end of the compartment body, the upper portion having a reinforcement member configured to maintain the upper portion in an upstanding orientation; wherein the first height of the first handle is greater than the second height of the second handle such that the upper portions of the first and second handles can overlap one another, when in use, such that the user can grasp both handles with one hand.
 17. A personal container as defined in claim 16, wherein the first and the second handles are attached to the corresponding side of the container body with an attachment selected from a group consisting of hook-and-loop material, stitching, adhesive, and snaps.
 18. A personal container as defined in claim 16, wherein the first and the second handles each has a substantially constant width.
 19. A personal container as defined in claim 16, wherein the first and the second handles are removably attached to the first and second sides of the compartment body.
 20. A personal container as defined in claim 19, wherein the first and the second handles are a first color configuration, thereby defining a first pair of handles, and further comprising a second pair of handles of a second color configuration that can be attached to the compartment body in place of the first pair of handles. 